A Global Failure to Fund Health: Millions Denied Universal Coverage
Twelve years ago, the international community pledged to achieve universal health coverage (UHC) for all. December 12th was designated a day to reflect on progress towards that goal. This year, however, International Universal Health Coverage Day arrives against a sobering backdrop: a global pandemic underscored the fragility of health systems, and many countries are failing to adequately fund public health, undermining the very right to health for countless individuals.
While the concept of UHC, where everyone can access affordable, quality healthcare, holds immense promise, the reality is that governments are falling short. ”
Analyzing
We recently analyzed data from the World Health Organization’s Global Health Expenditure Database and found a disturbing trend: the more governments invested in public health, the better people accessed essential healthcare services.
Despite this critical link between public expenditure and health outcomes, most governments are lagging behind in meeting crucial health spending benchmarks. Even more alarmingly, our analysis revealed that, in 47 countries, individuals and families collectively spent more on healthcare out-of-pocket than their governments invested in the sector in 2021.
A Cycle of Inequality
This reliance on out-of-pocket expenses places an undue burden on individuals and families, often exacerbating existing inequalities. Higher healthcare costs can mean delaying or forgoing essential medical treatment, leading to poorer health outcomes and widening disparities in life expectancy.
The ripple effects extend beyond health. When individuals struggle to afford healthcare, other rights are often jeopardized. Access to education, housing, participation in civic life, and even access to clean water and sanitation can be compromised.
A Call to Action
International Universal Health Coverage Day is not just a commemorative occasion; it is a call to action. Billions of people lack access to the healthcare they need. On this day, we urge governments to prioritize the right to health by significantly increasing investments in public health systems.
Achieving UHC requires a commitment to allocate a minimum of 5 percent of GDP or 15 percent of government expenditure to health. Moreover, revitalizing public health funding necessitates reversing any recent cuts and eliminating tax abuses.
Governments must embrace progressive taxation models that ensure fairer contributions to public health systems. This, coupled with a focus on strengthening public health infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to essential health services, is crucial to building resilient healthcare systems that serve all.
In addition to national commitments, creditor governments and institutions must play a vital role. They have a responsibility to evaluate their support mechanisms and ensure that the countries they assist have the financial capacity to build and sustain strong public health systems.
Commitment to UHC is not just a moral imperative; it is a pragmatic investment in global well-being. A world where everyone has access to quality healthcare is a world that is healthier, more productive, and more just. This International Universal Health Coverage Day, let us recommit ourselves to making that vision a reality.
